In the current story he is dead, murdered by Big Fire. However in episode 5 we are treated to a flashback of Dr. Kusama's final moments and Robo's origin. Giant Robo itself seems to have some kind of connection with Daisaku's father (as shown in episode 7). Daisaku is motivated by both his father's last wishes to use Robo for peace and his haunting question: Can happiness be achieved without sacrifice? Can life exist without hardship?